TRIBUTES TO GREEK PEOPLE
ANZACS SHOWERED WITH KINDNESS
(8.0.W.) RUGBY, May 24. The capacity of the Imperial troops for making friends is typified by accounts from authoritative circles in Cairo, describing the warm welcome given New Zealand troops in the Florina district of Greece shortly before the action began. Each soldier was always introduced to the president of each village, who arranged special treats. The villagers also showered them with humble, but welcome, gifts, especially fish. “When the war is over I am going to Auckland,” said one gunner, “but the next best place and people is Greece. lam going back for a long visit later.”
A major said: “I visited six villages that week. Everywhere I met the same spirit of friendly helpfulness, and hundreds of small kindnesses.” A sergeant said: “One week-end several of us were given leave and allowed to go to either of two villages and stay with the villagers. It was a fine leave. We accepted their hospitality in the spirit in which it was given. Of course, we tried to pay, but in no case was money accepted. When we left wine and fish were pressed on US.” An Australian major affirmed: “There are absolutely no Fifth Columnists among the villagers. They were with us to a man.”
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Southland Times, Issue 24444, 26 May 1941, Page 6
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214TRIBUTES TO GREEK PEOPLE Southland Times, Issue 24444, 26 May 1941, Page 6
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